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The rise of SA champions on the international stage reminds us that the flame of boxing in this country was never extinguished, says Tshegofatso Thobedi.
Boxing SA’s communications and media liaison officer said: “[The flame] flickered through difficult seasons, endured through changing times, and continued to burn in the gyms, community halls and boxing clubs where fighters kept showing up, day after day.
“Now, a new generation is picking up the torch, and South African fighters are stepping onto the world stage, taking on the best, winning on the biggest nights and putting the country’s name back among boxing’s elite.”
For the first time in SA boxing history, the country has three World Boxing Council (WBC) world champions — Siyakholwa “One Way” Kuse, Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira and Ricardo “Magic Man” Malajika.
Kuse holds the mini flyweight belt; Ferreira is the junior-lightweight female champ, and Malajika has just captured the junior-bantamweight belt.
Kuse and Malajika are trained by Manny Fernandes and managed by Brian Mitchell. Golden Gloves promotes the champions.
Ferreira is trained by Arafat Koch, while Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan’s No Doubt Management guides her career.
All these champions were produced this year. SA’s success in producing WBC champions follows the visit in May by WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán.
The Mexican was ringside at Emperor’s Palace when Kuse dethroned Melvin Jerusalem. Sulaiman was invited by Golden Gloves CEO Rodney Berman.
Sulaiman met with sports minister Gayton McKenzie, BSA chairperson Ayanda Khumalo, and CEO Tsholofelo Lejaka.
During their discussions, Sulaimán promised to give local fighters opportunities to fight for WBC belts.
Kuse, Ferreira and Malajika grabbed those opportunities with both hands and proved that the talent and hunger that once made this country a boxing powerhouse are still here.
Ferreira became SA’s first woman WBC world champion after defeating Canada’s Caroline Veyre in Atlanta.
Malajika won his belt in Japan, defeating homeboy Tomoya Tsuboi by split decision.
Sowetan